Club Pink raises awareness

STEPHANIE BERTHOLDO/Acorn Newspapers IN THE PINK--Members and advisors of Agoura High School's Club Pink gather for a luncheon at the school recently. The club raises funds for Robin Josephson, front row, third from left. Last-minute Christmas shoppers have a chance today to purchase presents that are sure to please and will fund a worthy cause.

This month Club Pink, a group of Agoura High School sophomores who raise funds to fight breast cancer, has been selling jewelry to help support Robin Josephson, an Oak Park resident who was diagnosed five years ago with Stage 4 breast cancer.

"This is a wonderful group of young ladies," said Karen Therrien, Josephson's sister. Club Pink has hosted a campus jewelry sale each Thursday in December to raise funds for Josephson's medical expenses. The club is holding its final sale today.

Handcrafted jewelry created by Therrien and Josephson includes earrings, necklaces and a popular "Rainbow of Hope" bracelet featuring 20 multicolored Swarovsky crystals that signify support for a variety of charitable groups.

Light rose pink symbolizes the fight against breast cancer. Clear crystals honor children with disabilities and people suffering from Parkinson's disease, while the bracelet's garnet crystal represents AIDS awareness, heart disease and Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

White pearls symbolize peace, and support the fight against lung cancer, emphysema and multiple sclerosis. Mental illness, lupus, hunger, cultural diversity, Alzheimer's disease, support for U.S. troops--all are represented by the bracelet.

Josephson hasn't been able to work for the past five years, her sister said. The disease has spread to her lungs, liver and spine, and she is now participating in a City of Hope pain management clinical trial.

Lisa Donoho, an English teacher at Agoura High and Club Pink's advisor, said students asked her to become involved with the club because her mother is recovering from breast cancer. "What we hope to do is fundraise and volunteer our time at a children's cancer facility in the Valley," Donoho said of the club's primary goals. Club Pink president Eliena Mahgeresteh said that, so far, the organization has raised $500 to help with Josephson's expenses. Ten percent of the total raised from jewelry sales will be donated to breast cancer research at the end of the year.

"One out of five women is affected by breast cancer," Mahgeresteh said. "We think there should be a lot more people doing research. There should already be a cure."

Club Pink, Therrien and Josephson will sell their jewelry in the Agoura High School quad area from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. today.

The jewelry can also be purchased on the Internet at www.friendshelpingrobin.com, or by calling Therrien at (818) 4563048.